Letters to the editgor: Cut salaries instead of rate hike

Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Cut salaries instead of rate hike

Warren will raise the water rates to cover expenses for a new sewer system. Every time any city faces a monetary shortfall, the mayor says, “We have to raise taxes or lay off police and firefighters.” The powers that be threaten residents with raising taxes or laying off police and firefighters.

They never lay anyone off at City Hall or anyone in the court system.

Many people there make six-figure salaries, including judges, chief of police and the fire chief. Mayor James Fouts is a retired teacher, so he gets a pension and medical benefits. He could take a pay cut and still not be hurting for cash. If these people are as dedicated as they say they are, the jobs they do can be done just as well by cutting salaries.

They need to do that before raising water rates or new taxes. Let us see if they’re servants of the people or just doing their jobs for the money.

DAVID BUCKOWarrenHang on to millage money

Since 2008, there are some Wayne County communities that keep the Detroit Zoo millage funding after it is collected. Some also appear to keep the DIA money. This is done through a state law establishing a tax increment finance authority.

Macomb County needs to take advantage of this and keep funds that were going to SEMTA, DIA and the zoo. Our communities could use extra funding as much as Wayne County communities do.

As long as the Republicans recklessly make their own rules, we should grab follow their lead

JOHN LANMANNew BaltimoreGood reporting on judge

Congratulations go to outstanding reporter Chad Selweski for the reporting on Warren District Judge John Chmura.It is good that Chmura is donating the $1,500 that attorneys and others contributed to him at a birthday party for his trip to Las Vegas. It seems that the judge is doing this only after the reporting by Selweski.

It is disturbing that Chmura still believes that he did nothing improper, even after a law professor said Chmura should not have accepted the $1,500. Doesn’t Chmura have the capacity to realize the appearance of impropriety? I believe the Judicial Tenure Commission should decide this.

BOB LENTWashington TownshipWe can’t afford road taxes

Gov. Rick Snyder is once again extending his hand to taxpayers, not in the “Hi, how are you” gesture, but rather “I want more of your money” mode. He is proposing to build new roads, but we won’t be able to enjoy them because how can we afford to pay the extra $120 for vehicle registrations?

I find it quite ironic that because he probably has a state-owned vehicle, taxpayers will end up paying his share of the $120. How much more is he going to ask of us?

To those who thought Gov. Jennifer Granholm was tough, don’t you wish she was back with us now? Where is the money we have already paid out for road upkeep?